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Emergency Flood Relief Fund Donations - Updates below

Weʼre raising £10,000 to help gather funds to provide emergency kits to families as they leave the relief camps in the area of Palluruthy, Cochin, Kerala, India

The Indian state of Kerala is experiencing a "calamity of a severe nature". Beginning on the 8th August, monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in the region, the worst in 100 years. The flooding has been aggravated by 33 dams opening their shutters (due to waters reaching danger level), incessant rains, landslides and swollen rivers which have caused incalculable damage to human lives, property and the eco system.

As of 20th August, 223 people have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands have lost their homes. Over one million people are now displaced, after being rescued or forced to flee from their households. These people are being sheltered in 3,274 relief camps which have been set up in schools and community centres. Huge amounts of food, water, medicines and other essentials are required. Thanks to the generous involvement of local people, these necessities are reaching many of the camps. However, once people leave the relative security of the camps, they face the ordeal of returning to their severely damaged or destroyed homes. They will leave with few belongings and little or no money.They will return to find their homes either washed away entirely or severely damaged –walls will be waterlogged, furniture, appliances, clothing and personal possessions destroyed, filthy floors, the stench of sewage, unsanitary conditions and the presence of dangerous snakes. A good percentage of these homes will be uninhabitable. Very few people will have any form of home insurance. With practically no help until the Government intervenes (which will take time due to red-tape), these people face starvation, destitution and disease.

This fundraising campaign is initiated by two registered charities, KERALA CRAFTS, based in Bath, UK and DON BOSCO WELFARE CENTRE SOCIETY in India. Kerala Crafts has been supporting Valsalya Bhavan orphanage for girls, in Vaduthala, Palluruthy, Kerala for almost 20 years and knows the area well. The orphanage is situated next door to the Don Bosco School, which, at present, is being used as a relief camp, providing a refuge for 5000 people. Our aim is to gather funds to provide welfare kits for displaced people leaving the camps.

Each kit will cost about Rs2000 (approx. £22.50 GBP) and will contain the following:

Please Click the Donate Button below and choose how much you would like to donate - Thank you

It may be 'out of sight' in the news in the UK, but it's not out of mind! We won't forget.

These pictures show the area around She's in Ponnani where the ladies make our fairtrade knickers. The water level was not too bad there, but sufficiently high enough to evacuate the ladies to a relief camp, where they were joined by their families, as their homes too had been flooded.The shop is not yet back to normal, and there is no electricity.

Thankfully, the workers above the shop, in the bank, were able to lift the sewing machines onto worktops, so they are OK. I'm not sure how much stock has been affected though.

This last weekend was Onam (harvest festival - widely celebrated in Kerala), when normally the shop would have received many orders to stitch outfits for the celebrations. No orders were received this year, and so our continued support is vital to their livelihoods. We will be ordering more knickers shortly, with a view to Christmas time.

Updates:

26th August 2018 -Appeal launched

1st September -£1,200 received in donations so far, and sent on, as need is immediate. Thank you to everyone who has been so generous!!

News from Kerala is not good; this disaster has caused:

483 deaths from floods and landslides

More than one million people are displaced

3000 + relief camps opened

Lost crops in 42000 hectares

537 landslides

221 bridges have collapsed

10000km of roads damaged

More than 250,000 farmers affected

And yet, this disaster has brought people together. These comments are from our people ‘on the ground’ in Kochi:

'People are generous beyond words. It is a unique experience to see the people helping each other in such spectacular ways! So much unity, harmony and sacrifice. The people , youth, fisherfolk along with the civil authorities and Navy are working tirelessly to rescue the people from the flooded houses. It is amazing the collaboration of the people from the non affected areas to prepare food, and to distribute it to the rescue camps. Camps are over filled. We saw the generosity of the people in different ways’

8th September- £3,500 total now disbursed to Kerala for relief work from Kerala Crafts over the last 2 weeks. Heartfelt thanks to all donors.Disaster management comprises 4 stages: rescue, relief, rehabilitation and long-term settlement wherever it is necessary. Kerala is almost at the end of the rescue stage, with now 8,000 people still in relief camps.It is estimated that the rehabilitation of flood-hit people will take between 6 months to one year.“I have been told that the house is not safe to sleep in with the entire structure standing on a few iron rods” said one resident, as uncertainty hangs over how long she can shuttle between camps with her 86 year old mother and 27 year old differently-abled son.

The death toll has risen slightly from the figure of 483 now because of Leptospirosis (rat fever). This has claimed 78 people to date.Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals and can be transmitted to humans. The state health department has issued doxycycline capsules to each household as a preventative measure, which is vital, considering the enormity of the health hazard the floods could cause. Special clinics have been set up in all government hospitals to deal specifically with this fever as well as poisonous snake bites.Scarcity of drinking water was the biggest and immediate challenge that the residents of flood-hit areas faced as most wells in the affected areas were polluted by leakage from septic tanks and waste dumps. Now the pollution level needs to be assessed and water treatment proposals finalised.

Markets were severely hit by flooding, and as many as 1,500 sacks of rice stored in the markets for Onam (harvest festival) requirements, have been damaged. In addition, rotten vegetables have been removed from the market by the Clean Kerala Company. Disposal of damaged food items is progressing. Focus is on the disposal of food waste accumulated in various civil supplies distribution centres. Paravur produced 50 truck loads alone.

Nearly a hundred hectares of rubber plantations were affected. Many crops were lost in the incessant rain and subsequent flooding, including nutmeg, tapioca, coconut, paddy, pepper, ginger, turmeric and pineapple. Vegetable crops in a total area of 850 hectares are counted among the losses.6,000 volunteers are carrying out sanitation works and 10,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste was collected and buried, with help and support from Cochin Harbour workers. There are large amounts of non-biodegradable waste stacking up also.

The district administration of Kochi has disposed of carcasses of animals and birds who perished in the flood. Carcasses included 940 cows, 280 goats, 4425 pigs, 16,278 poultry (ducks and hens). 76 other animals e.g. dogs and cats were also burned. Carcasses posing a threat of communicable diseases were disposed of scientifically.The above makes grim reading, but on a happier note, the pulling together of all faiths, ages and castes has been amazing to witness. "Seeing the generosity of donated goods only goes to show how as humans, we have a natural tendency to love from within” says Sunitha Simon, relief helper.

Other states in India have been supporting Kerala too.

Newspaper headline states: Kurinji flowers bloom after 12 years as sun shines on flood-hit Kerala.When floods ravaged Kerala, nature lovers across the world prayed to save the kurinji flowers in the Kannan Devan hills, which bloom once in 12 years. The chances were slim as Munnar and the surrounding areas were flooded in the incessant rains for 14 days. Landslides damaged the ecologically fragile district of Idukki on the Western Ghats. Munnar lost road connectivity and remained isolated during the deluge. The last mega kurinji bloom was recorded in 2006; and this year, the tourism department, before the flooding, was expecting a big turnout of tourists from August to October. Miraculously, the sun has shone on the Munnar valley and the breathtaking kurinji flowers started to bloom - rekindling a real symbol of hope.Things are gradually improving and getting back to normal, and Munnar is hoping to be back on the tourist map, rightfully so, as it is one of the most sought-after destinations in Kerala.

14th September- £4,734 total now raised from donations. Huge thank you’s to all who have given so generously.Battered Kerala is shaken but not shattered.There are still some people in relief camps (4000, as of 12 September). This is half the number that were there one week ago, but the death toll has risen from 483 to 491 and 14 people are still missing.

771 people are at various Kochi hospitals seeking treatment for fever. 150 of these also complained of diarrhoeal diseases, and 10 were suspected of dengue fever and 27 people were asked to undergo further treatment.

Rivers and wells have dried up in flood hit Kerala, and the state government is to carry out studies on the phenomenon after the floods across the state, and suggest possible solutions to the problems. Issues arising include:

Soaring mercury level

Unprecedented dip in water level of rivers

Sudden drying up of wells, and some of them are caving in

Depletion of groundwater reserves

Mass perishing of earthworms

Rehabilitation has now begun and the assessment of damaged houses will be carried out by the district administration, with the help of the mobile App launched by the state IT Mission. Various voluntary associations have come forward to construct homes for the victims.

The welfare society providing refuge next door to the orphanage we support, is also ‘adopting’ a nearby island that was recently submerged. Kochi is a port city characterised by waterways - crisscrossing canals, rivers, lakes and islands connected to a backwater system on the edge of the Arabian Sea. The project is entitled ‘Adopting an island for speedy rehabilitation’.

There was a careful assessment of the grim reality all around and it was decided the next step would be to focus efforts and join the local community to rebuild their lives in this rural isolated area, often ignored. They will be supported with field workers including plumbers, masons and electricians to strengthen their spirit of resilience and self-confidence. Health and hygiene is a priority to fight an outbreak of diseases.

It will be a community-centred movement with a team of local leaders to help, and will be working in close collaboration with the Ernakulam Social Service Society. Funds are needed to firstly help with laying concrete for new and repaired accommodation.

Along with houses, schools and other establishments, libraries were also destroyed. Thousands of books were left in a sodden mess and years, even decades of hard work came undone in no time. While some of the books may be irreplaceable, efforts are being made to salvage others.

With the majority of people not being able to afford to buy books, libraries are invaluable and the Kerala State Library Council has 8417 libraries and it estimates that 211 libraries have been affected by the flooding. The Government has promised that libraries would be compensated for their losses, but this will take time. People are contributing books and money, and publishers are giving discounts on their books. ‘Schools and libraries are the eyes and ears of villages. It is our responsibility to rebuild them for the next generation’.

If Kerala’s fishermen (2,800 fishermen used their boats) were in the forefront of saving marooned people from flood hit areas, then Kudumbashree women are working flat out too, restoring normal life in the regions scarred by the disaster. Kerala Crafts supports Kudumbashree (Kerala’s women empowerment group working to alleviate poverty) by purchasing from their umbrella unit in Alleppey, and we have long been full of admiration for the work they carry out. See article on Kudumbashree on our News page - www.keralacrafts.co.uk/news.htmlOver one million residential properties across 10 districts have been cleaned so far and made habitable by Kudumbashree workers. They’ve also cleaned over 3,100 public spaces.

Kudumbashree (the name means ‘prosperity of the family’) have been active from the initial days of the flood, making packaged meals available to affected people. In the first 3 days, 16,000 food packets were distributed to relief camps. Also the women opened help desks in 182 relief camps.More than 320 Kudumbashree counsellors are offering psychological support to over 11,000 people suffering from depression due to their losses. They are resident in the relief camps and also go door-to-door in the rural areas.

Sadly, 500 micro enterprises of Kudumbashree in Ernakulam (Kochi) were washed away. This impacts on approximately 3000 women entrepreneurs. Most of the units were involved in making chips, pickles, sanitary towels and Amrutham nutrimix (food supplement given out to children).They are working tirelessly to provide help and one worker said “Some people do not even have firewood or gas cylinders to cook food. We have made gas cylinders available to them. The focus is also on isolated dwellings where people have suffered the worst”.

In Kerala, agriculture and its related industries are the biggest employer, hence thousands of people have had their livelihoods ripped away. Kerala is also heavily reliant on tourism. It is a short season for them, which is just beginning now in September and goes through to approximately February. This has been a devastating blow for many, as in this short season, enough money has to be made to see them through the whole year. Comments from 2 friends in Kochi:

“Still here no tourists - we hope December will bring more people coming. We are waiting. We have no idea”

“Of course, season which was already bad (because of Nipha virus earlier, then absence of guests during the World Cup) became terrible.... We should just hope that things get better soon!”

A letter from Kerala Tourism:

Dear World

Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts for your wholehearted support and help when we are in grief.Support us by doing business with us.Support us by trusting our instincts about our land.Be a part of our resurgence.

With loveTeam Kerala Tourism

Again, the above makes hard reading, but some good news was recently reported:Ernakulam district is famous for its beaches, mainly Cherai, Fort Kochi and Vypen. The flood that destroyed nearly everything in its wake has gifted the district with something special. In Aluva a new beach has appeared, and locals see it as a blessing in disguise.

Beach formed in Aluva Pets weren't forgotten! Rescuing elephants too

This has been a saga of immeasurable pain and the undying human spirit. It has seen ordinary people turn into heroes, who selflessly tried to save lives and helped in whatever way possible.

The response from the UK has been amazing too. Thank you to all you wonderful people who have been so generous and compassionate to people you don’t know, thousands of miles away. Some comments I’ve recently received:

“Wow, there’s a few kind people out there! I was happy to help. I’m just trying to imagine if all my stuff went and how I was managing with the list of items and its too awful to comprehend. I’m so sad this disaster has befallen these people”

“Those poor people, having to face so much destruction. I hope the fundraising campaign is going well and that much can be done for the flood victims”

“The scope of the devastation is beyond my comprehension. I know that what you do will be a lifesaver to many. Just wish I could do more”

“Best wishes, and prayers for your producers in Kerala”

“I hope they know they are not forgotten”

“I hope so much that the welfare kits will be a comfort to the dear displaced people”

Thank you for bringing light into their darkness

21st September - £6,000 raised to date and sent to Kerala. Massive thanks to all who have given so generously.

The main focus in Kerala now, is getting people back into their houses - if they are still standing. Then they face the gigantic task of cleaning their homes, often filled with slush and debris. This brings more problems, as one newspaper carried this headline ‘Venomous snakes greet residents returning home’ and states that doctors have treated 53 cases of snake bites over 5 days. For those people whose homes are unsafe or have been destroyed, temporary accommodation has to be found.

Thirty-eight of our ladies at the Vimala Welfare Centre have had their homes affected by the flood, and lost all their household and personal belongings. The money sent to the Centre has been able to help in this practical way.

One worker from the Vimala Welfare Centre, Lalitha, found her house in a dilapidated condition which is likely to collapse at any time. She is unmarried and lives at home with her 2 sisters and one brother. However the family is now scattered, staying with relatives whilst they try and find a rented house.College students from the Vimala Welfare Centre helped in the cleaning process in medical camps and relief centres in nearby Gothuruth (4 km from Kochi airport) and Moolampilly. Both areas were badly affected by the floods.

On a more positive note - the ‘adopting an island for speedy rehabilitation’ project has started, after identifying houses that need repair and renovation work. Further donations will help towards this project. Toilets, rooms, furniture and drinking water facilities have been tackled. Some areas still have no drinking water, and voluntary agencies are supplying tanker water.

Kudumbashree members were requested to donate their one week’s saving – a humble Rs10 (11p) but they went on to do beyond what was asked and subsequently a massive amount of money was raised for flood victims. Practically, they also helped by carrying on tirelessly making houses liveable again so that families can rebuild their lives in their own homes. Sheeja Beegum says ‘ Something good will come out of all this - it's what I feel’. Sheeja and team have also collected materials for relief camps, especially sanitary napkins, and underwear for women.

Shortage of cattle feed, worrying farmers Repair 'clinics' for electronic goods Healthy baby born to mum rescued by Indian Navy

Our ladies at ‘She’s’ in Ponnani, have taken up residence in their shop again, and are getting back to normal, and it has been good to give them a much-needed large order. Please look out for our tartan knickers, especially around Christmas time. They will be on the website as soon as they arrive in the UK!We have also been able to place another order for our fair-trade umbrellas made by a Kudumbashree unit in Alleppey. It is good that life is recovering slowly, although many people are still traumatised by the events of the last month, and for some, recovery will take a lot longer.

'Mascot for rebuilding Kerala from despair - a symbol of hope for weavers'Several handloom societies in Kerala's Chendamangalam region have found an innovative way to get weavers back on their feet by using sarees that were destroyed in the floods. A quick solution as to what to do with damaged stock, had to be found promptly. Hence ‘Chekutty’ dolls are being made and sold to create funds to rehabilitate weavers by repairing handlooms as soon as possible.One handloom saree is upcycled to make approximately 350 dolls. The dolls are quite basic with a hand drawn smile on the face, but they are symbols of resilience for the weavers. The fabric is chlorinated and boiled in water to disinfect it and is made safe to use. These mascots can be hung on shoulder bags, suitcases or inside cars.Each doll carries a poem: ‘Chekutty has scars. Checkutty has stains. But Chekutty represents each one of us who survived the floods’.

80% of handloom revenue comes from Onam sales, which were non-existent this year. Raising funds will help support the weavers until the next season (Vishu in April 2019).

I visited this fascinating place in January this year, and I would really like to support this ancient important handloom tradition. It gives much needed-work to people who have worked there for years, and there is very little alternative employment for these people in the area. It is their life line. Kerala Crafts is hoping to stock these little dolls soon. 22.11.2018 - Chekutty dolls now available to buy -www.keralacrafts.co.uk/new-items.html

Kerala people are resilient, optimistic and amazing people, and despite the massive problems, they will bounce back. Nearly a month after the floods, the airport, roads and railway lines are restored and services are fully operational, and Kerala is welcoming tourists back!Studies have shown that it is women (and the poor and marginalised) who bear the heaviest burden - so A BIG THANK YOU for your help and support as we do a little to help these people, and will carry on as before, sending all profits from sales, back to the people who need it.

This farmer is planting snake gourd and bitter gourd saplings, to replace all that was ruined. It is symbol of hope for him.

"The pain is fading - because there is tomorrow and another chance to rebuild" farmer in Aluva

BATTERED KERALA - SHAKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED

1st NOVEMBER 2018 - to conclude ...............Our campaign is almost at an end now - as donations have more or less ceased. I have been overwhelmed with the response, and in total £6,304 was raised. This amount goes a long way in India, and is 'love in action' indeed. Heartfelt thanks to all who have given.

The flooding has been a saga of immeasurable pain and the undying human spirit. It has seen ordinary people turn into heroes, who selflessly tried to save lives and helped in whatever way possible.

Money sent has been used to provide welfare kits for families as they prepared to leave the relief camps and return home. It has also helped the workers at the Vimala Welfare Centre in Cochin, whom we have supported for many years - many of whom lost all their household belongings.

We also sent money to the ladies further north at Ponnani (who make our fairtrade products), as their homes were flooded as well as their workshop. The children however, at the orphanage in Cochin, were all safe and the orphanage building was used as a relief camp for 5000 people.

The aftermath of the flooding continues, as people work to get their lives and homes restored. Any further donations will be used to help families on a small island called Pizhala, about 18km from the orphanage in Cochin. There are 900 homes on this island which is surrounded by the river Periyar. The island was completely under water, and as it can only be reached by boat, people had to leave in a hurry to save their lives and most of them lost all their belongings. All the families were taken to relief camps.

We are helping to support the 60+ families whose homes were the worst affected. Rs10000 (£106) has been given to the families to help with repairs, pump sets, home appliances, purchase of beds, utensils etc.

Sometimes this has included rebuilding their homes. Many of the houses were built from the local rock (laterite) which is extremely porous and soaks up water like a sponge, and when saturated, totally disintegrates.

Some of the families from the island who have benefited from your donations

We are immensely grateful to all our friends who have helped us. May God bless you all.

Thank you for bringing light into their darkness Christine Snow

PS The welfare centre we support, sent us the latest news 'Food relief work is going on. Many people have lost their houses and belongings. Government funds have not yet reached many. Paperwork is still going on. We are helping with rebuilding homes in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and surrounding area'.